Scholastic Press. 2009.
ISBN: 9780439023498
$17.99. Hardcover. 400 pages.
Readers Annotation
Katniss and Peeta return to District 12 after their victory at The Hunger Games, but trouble awaits them as the districts begin an upraising.
Plot Summary
Katniss and Peeta’s dual win at The Hunger Games leaves the Districts breathless. Caught in a love triangle between her long-time friend Gale, and Peeta, Katniss must choose between them. Her onscreen romance at the Games with Peeta forces the two to prove to the masses that they are truly in love. This creates further strife between the three young people. As they travel on their victory tour they begin to notice signs of the beginning of an uprising. Katniss is placed as a kind of figurehead of the revolutionary movement, and it is not a safe place to be. Threatened by President Snow, Katniss fears for the safety of her family and friends. When the Central Government places District 12 under 24-hour guard their fears are realized. Announcing the beginning of the 75 Hunger Games, or Quarter Quell, President Snow informs the citizens of Panem that the participants of this game will come from the pool of winners of past games. This means that Katniss and Peeta will again compete. The competition is shorter and is never completed because revolution erupts. Katniss and Peeta are separated, and District 12 is no more.
Critical Evaluation
This novel picks up where the The Hunger Games left off. Collins answers the questions left over from the first novel, but now adds a substantial layer of political intrigue. Katniss, now the figurehead of the revolution is placed in the center of a firestorm, and the Central Government will do anything to get rid of her. They know that they can’t martyr her, so the send her back to the games hoping that she will die in the arena. The villainous government inflicts pain on its people, and thinks nothing of sending the District Citizens to their deaths. As in the first book, the characters are realistic. The blossoming romances between Peeta, Gale and Katniss are complicated. She doesn’t really know what her feelings are for either young man until the end of the book. Katniss is troubled at first by being used as a symbol for the revolution, but soon she begins to believe that something must be done when her family is threatened. The long-suffering Peeta tries to hang on to Katniss even though she has feelings for Gale also. The romance set against the backdrop of a revolution is like a beacon of hope for young people. This book is as good as the last and I am anxiously awaiting the third installment of the series which is due to be released on August 24, 2010.
Information about the author
Collins writes that she spent too much time as a child watching gladiator movies as a child. She has written for children’s television since 1991. She is currently working on the third installment of The Hunger Games trilogy. You can find out more about her at http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/index.htm
Genre
Science Fiction, Fantasy, horror
Curriculum ties
None
Challenge Issues
Violence
Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Catching-Fire-Second-Hunger-Games/dp/0439023491/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_img_in
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss the beginning of a revolution against Central Government of Panem.
2. Talk about Katniss her relationships with Peeta and Gale.
Reading Level/Age
Young adult, ages 15 and up
Why I included this title
This book is sure to be on some best books lists in the coming year.
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